Products that keep mosquitoes away

HOUSTON - If you have spent any time outside in the last week, you've noticed swarms of pesky mosquitoes. Recent rain has created a huge spike in their numbers.

Consumer expert Amy Davis is checking out which products work best to keep the relentless insects away.

"Oh, they're awful," said one woman in Seabrook. "The mosquitoes are just terrible."

"They never get me either and they've just been attacking me uncontrollably in the last two days when I've been walking my dog," said Chris Bisel.

From the personal fan to the backyard fogger, we brought a bag of products to Texas A&M University mosquito expert Dr. Michel Slotman for his take.

He says the fogger provides some relief.

"The fogger basically targets mosquitoes that are actively flying around at the time that you apply the fogger," said Slotman.

He says the repellants that use oil or heat up are only good when there is no breeze. Any wind will make these products less effective.

Consumer Reports tested sprays earlier this year and found the top four most effective at keeping mosquitoes at bay for eight or more hours were Off Deep Woods Sportsmen ll, Cutter Backwoods Unscented, Off Familycare Smooth & Dry and 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellant 8.

One thing all of those products have in common is deet. Other natural ingredients tested by consumer products were not as effective.

Click here to view a map of West Nile Virus positive mosquito samples in Harris County as of Sept. 10, 2013.

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